Senate Bill 2618 Summary

• Department of Revenue may not approve any area as a qualified resort area after July 1, 2018, if located within 2 miles of a convent or monastery in counties traversed by Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 98, unless the convent or monastery waives the restriction in writing.

• Adds new categories of facilities that qualify as resort areas, including mixed-use developments with 200+ acres and 200+ planned residential units located within 1 mile of a state institution of higher learning.

• Expands resort area designation for facilities with 8,000+ square feet used for events and culinary or outdoor recreation courses, and for golf courses adjacent to residential developments with specific acreage and unit requirements.

• Defines "campus" as property owned by public school districts, community colleges, colleges, or universities where educational courses are taught, excluding restaurants or hotels operated by third parties.

• Effective date is July 1, 2018.